Chennai, Oct 20: Tamil superstar Rajinikanth landed in a fresh controversy as he greeted Jayalalithaa who has just been released from Bangalore jail. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is reported to have been trying to woo the actor, was shocked to see Rajini's greetings to the AIADMK supremo.

The Hindu quoted an industry source as saying, "Mr Rajinikanth is always keen to protect the business interests of his films and never gets caught in political quagmire ahead of the release of any of his films."

Rajinikanth's letter wishing Jayalalithaa good health created controversy as state BJP leaders began discussing the opportunity of the party in Tamil Nadu if the actor decides to join it.

A state general secretary was quoted as saying, "While we have extended the invitation to him, given the rapport he shared with our national leaders, we always had doubts about him accepting it."

Rajinikanth is always keen to protect the business interests of his films

She also added, "The letter makes it clear to us that we cannot be depending on his entry into the BJP to improve our fortunes in Tamil Nadu."

"We will always welcome him into the BJP. This letter won't change that feeling," stated the BJP leader while speaking about Rajinikanth's letter to Jayalalithaa.

Meanwhile, party sources informed that the party was shocked to see Union Minister Maneka Gandhi's greetings to the former Tamil Nadu CM.

The Union Minister of Women and Child Development had said in a letter to Jayalalithaa that she would be happy to do anything "to make this time less onerous."

In her reply to Mrs Gandhi, Jayalalithaa said the letter "touched me deeply." "I was especially moved by the fact that, despite your busy schedule as Union Minister, Ministry of Women and Child Development, you found the time to think of me and send your heartwarming missive."

"I thank you for your thoughtfulness and pray that the Almighty may bless you and your family with all that is good," she said in a letter which was released by AIADMK on Monday, Oct 20.

66 year-old Jayalalithaa also thanked Tamil icon Rajnikanth for his "kind and gracious sentiments." "I pray that the Almighty may bless you with long life, good health, prosperity and success in all your activities. Please convey my best wishes to all the members of your family," Jayalalithaa told Rajnikanth.